How Algorithms Shape News About Black Americans
The 2020’s decade brought in the age of the information ecosystem. Globally, there have become a myriad of avenues to give and receive information. So much in fact that information has often had to be monitored and updated accordingly. At the heart of the information ecosystem is the algorithm.
An algorithm is defined as a set of mathematical principles used to predict outcomes based on a set of patterns and behaviors. Media algorithms are responsible for why much news is sorted and delivered based on demographic and interest. Essentially, information begets more information.
How Black Americans Appear In The News
Think about the last few media news cycles over the last few months. Think about the last few media news cycles over the last few years. Think about those media cycles and how many featured stories were on Black people and what the coverage was. In 2023, the Pew Research Center conducted a study on Black Americans’ experiences with the news.
The findings included, “almost two-thirds of Black adults (63%) say news about Black people is often more negative than news about other racial and ethnic groups; 28% say it is about equal and 7% say it is often more positive…” The group surveyed consisted of Black Americans regardless of age, gender, or political affiliation.
The Power Of News And Perception
Broadcast News has never been an industry where one minces words. The very discipline of journalism is founded upon the importance of getting to the truth and asking the questions on behalf of the public. News is in that same formula only often more times than none, it has the power to amplify the message. Perception varies from person to person.
Often times, especially now, much of the information presented can be the first time someone is ever introduced to the topic. This is why it is essential that all news coverage be unbiased and informed.
When Metrics Influence The Algorithm
Beyond the algorithm, news media coverage is also contingent upon vanity metrics such as clicks, likes, subscriptions, and views. Ironically, the more the metrics increase, the stronger the algorithm becomes. Essentially, these metrics are supposed to indicate viewership and the more views, the more awareness of the story. In a perfect world.
Nevertheless, taking a moment to question and reflect on the current cycle of news coverage surrounding Black Americans as well as question the role one plays in not only curating the algorithm but the information ecosystem.
